Extended Project Qualification
Curriculum enrichment · September 2027
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone Level 3 qualification worth the equivalent of half an A-level. You will plan and lead your own project, research a topic of your choice and present a written or creative outcome. It is recognised and highly regarded by universities and employers.
Exam board
AQA
Course code
7993
Course contact
Mrs Carr
Are you interested in…?
choosing your own topic of interest to research?
developing and applying project-management and problem-solving skills?
learning how to carry out research and evaluation that will prepare you for university courses?
strengthening your academic profile to stand out as a strong candidate in applications?
The EPQ can lead to a career in:
The EPQ is excellent preparation for any future courses and careers. You are free to choose the focus of your project, which might relate to a future career aspiration. The outcome may be written or creative, in the form of an artefact.
The EPQ goes well with:
Any A-level subjects.
Entry requirements
No specific requirements.
Course content
Explore your personal interests
An EPQ can focus on any topic of interest to you. It can fall outside or beyond the scope of your A-level courses or previous study. You have the opportunity to explore in depth any subject about which you are passionate.
Engage with interdisciplinary, real-world or ethical issues
The EPQ is an opportunity to explore an area of interest that crosses disciplines, perhaps going beyond your A-level subjects. You might look at the real-world application of a topic area you have studied or explore ethical questions arising from an issue or topic.
Develop key skills and competencies
From proposal to submission and presentation, you will develop a number of critically important skills including planning and project management, research, analysis, critical thinking and evaluation, decision-making and presentation skills.
Bridge the gap between school and university or your next steps
Completing an EPQ mirrors the research and dissertation projects common at degree level, helping you to transition successfully into further study, whether at university or in apprenticeships or professional qualifications and training.
The EPQ is highly valued by universities and contributes to a strong application. Many universities make lower offers to students with the EPQ.
Your passion for your EPQ project will shine through in applications and interviews, and your experience of overcoming challenges to complete it will provide useful examples, making you stand out in comparison to other candidates.
Enrichment opportunities
Avanti Inspires speaker programme
Assessment
Production Log recording and evaluating all stages of the project
5,000-word essay or artefact with shorter written report (around 2,000 words)
Presentation
Subject experts
Many teachers at Avanti Grange are experienced in supervising students’ extended projects. You will be guided through the process of developing and submitting a proposal and allocated a suitable personal supervisor for your project.
Examples of EPQ projects
How do comedians use language to make us laugh?
What is the most important factor causing recreational drug addiction?
How do dimples affect the aerodynamic drag of a golf ball?
Is rewilding Britain a suitable solution to the biodiversity crisis?
How does architecture influence human behaviour in public spaces?
How can advancements in neurotechnology contribute to the treatment of brain injuries?
How can freedom of speech laws adapt to the challenges presented by social media?
How can governments increase youth participation in politics?
Can advancements in quantum computing revolutionise information processing?